Henry Knox to William Knox Reporting that Several British Commissioners are Meeting in Philadelphia to Discuss Conciliation with America, 10 June 1778 PDF Download

Author: Henry Knox
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Reports that British Commissioners William Eden, First Baron Auckland, Frederick Howard, Earl of Carlisle, and Governor George Johnstone are meeting in Philadelphia to discuss conciliation with America. Declares, Any offers they may make but of Independence, or a total withdraw of their Armies & Navies will be fruitless- I believe they will not make these offers ... Asks where the soldiers from Massachusetts are, noting that Massachusetts' quotas of men have not arrived at Valley Forge.

Author: Henry Knox
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Reports that the British left Philadelphia. He and Lucy went into the city, but had to leave because it stunk so abominably. Notes that the American and British armies are twenty miles apart, at Princeton and Allentown respectively. Comments on the great number of deserters in the British army. Writes, if General Actions had no other consequences than merely the kill'd and wounded, we should attack them in 24 hours, but the fate of posterity and not the illusive [sic] [brilliancy] of military Glory govern's our [Fabian] Commander, the Man under God to whom America owes her present prospects of peace and happiness.

Author: Henry Knox
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Discusses matters of business William is tending to in Boston, including a debt and a petition. Writes, The Enemy have not yet evacuated Philadelphia but we are in hourly expectation of that event. The whole army is under marching orders as soon as they leave the City. Expects the British to assemble their force at New York City. Reports that Lucy and the baby are both well, referring to his wife, and possibly to their two-year-old daughter, also named Lucy. Relates that he has seen Harry, possibly Colonel Henry Jackson.

Author: Henry Knox
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Written at Fredericksburgh. Reports that the British are still in New York City, and many British sailors are sick ashore. Of British commissioners, writes, The Commissioners have Issued another Proclamation & manifesto. This they declare shall be the last & if it makes no impression on the hard hearted people of America they shall return and report the ill success of their Mission. These people have the same kind of insolence about them that a [young man rake] has who debauches his friends daughter and then offers a considerable sum as [hush?] money. In a post script, notes the enclosure of the proclamation and manifesto (not included).

Author: Henry Knox
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Languages : en
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Knox writes his brother a brief message: The Enemy are expected to evacuate Philadelphia tonight- the Two Lucy's are well (referring to his wife and daughter, both named Lucy).

Author: Henry Knox
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Languages : en
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Location from docket. Asks his brother William, in Boston, why he has not recently written. Declares, My God this War will go near to ruin me, they are making their Fortunes & I am losing one, however a good intention and a good Conclusion will I hope support & comfort me. Wishes he had a chaise instead of a phaeton (Knox had previously corresponded with his brother regarding the sale of his wife Lucy's phaeton). Reports that Great Britain intends to offer terms of conciliation to place us where we were in the Year 1763. Mentions a speech by Lord North, Prime Minister of Great Britain, in which North proposed peace as preferable to any other method ... he said he had been deceived he never thought the natural force of America to be so great ... Has sent drafts of two bills to General Hancock (possibly General Ebenezer Hancock, brother of John Hancock). Could not obtain a copy of an unspecified speech.

Author: Henry Knox
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Languages : en
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Discusses the revival of the General Arnold, a ship that wrecked in December 1778. Knox had some investment in the ship, and remarks it would be worth while to... get as much in her as will be prudent to risque, possibly referring to loading the Arnold with cargo. Reports that the British attempted to surprise General William Maxwell's brigade but were forced to retreat. Relates that his recent business in Philadelphia consisted of improving regulation of the ordnance department. Notes I undoubtedly might have at first stipulated for some pecuniary advantages for myself, but... I do not approve of money obtained in the publick service, it does not appear to me in a War like ours to be right. Describes a recent celebration held to celebrate the alliance between France and America. Remarks that there were about seventy ladies ... We danced all night.

Author: Henry Knox
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Languages : en
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Knox informs his brother that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, arrived recently at Valley Forge. Notes that General [Benedict] Arnold accompanied Lucy from New Haven, Connecticut. Notes that his guests may not be able to enjoy their accommodations at camp for very much longer, the Enemy being on the eve of evacuating Philadelphia. Asserts the British are expected to travel to New York before sailing to the West Indies. Questions why William has not written to him sooner, and discusses a debt handled by William in Boston. In closing, writes, I shall write you a History of the evacuation of Philadelphia and probably of a Battle at Valley Forge for the Enemy threatens hard to fight bloodily before they depart.

Author: Henry Knox
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Languages : en
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Indicates that he received William's letter from his wife Lucy, who just arrived in New York with their newborn child. Anticipates New York as principal seat of war and worries about his family being in harms way. Mentions that George Washington has gone to meet with the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to discuss the current campaign. Welcomes the news that General Horatio Gates has been promoted to major general and been placed in charge of the defense of Boston. Mentions a heavy loss inflicted by a schooner from the West Indies two days earlier. Promises to write more frequently and councils William to move out of Boston should the British attempt to retake it.

Author: Henry Knox
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Languages : en
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Written at Fredericksburgh. Location from docket. Knox informs his brother that the British sent a detachment of 7000-8000 men from New York. Predicts the men were sent to the West Indies, but others again suppose for Carolina. Mentions a fleet of ships, possibly British, and the Comte D'Estaing. Notes, I write you this that if there are no other Demonstrations than the ships of War-not to be alarm'd. Reports that more British may embark from New York, assuming they will travel to Europe, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the West Indies. In a post script, relates that the left wing of the Continental Army has moved as far as the Connecticut River.